The Jerry McCormick Strength and Conditioning Center at Mercyhurst Ice Center was unveiled to the public in a dedication ceremony on Thursday.

The facility was dedicated to the late Gerard “Jerry” McCormick, a former star athlete from Kanty Prep who died in an automobile accident 25 years ago at the age of 24.

Owen McCormick, Jerry’s brother and owner of Joseph McCormick Construction Co., Inc., cut the ceremonial ribbon. McCormick, who’s also the lead local investor of the Erie BayHawks, donated nearly $117,000 in equipment for the 2,970 square-foot, $250,000 facility.

Mercyhurst President Dr. Thomas Gamble, Provost Dr. James Adovasio and Marlene Mosco, chair of the college’s board of trustees, spoke at the event. Monsignor David Rubino, Gamble’s special assistant, blessed the facility. Coaches and members of the NCAA Division I men’s and women’s hockey teams, which began using the facility earlier this month, also attended the event.

Listen to the dedication ceremony as well as interviews with McCormick and Joe Kimball, Mercyhurst’s director of athletics, by clicking the links below.

- Victor Fernandes